Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent in the Christian church. While the service traditions date back to the 11th century, the tradition of receiving ashes as an outward sign of repentance dates back thousands of years. The ashes used during the Ash Wednesday liturgy are derived from burning palm crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday liturgy. The ashes are placed on foreheads in the sign of a cross by a priest. These words are often spoken: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” 

To find an Ash Wednesday service at a church near you within our diocese, CLICK HERE. All are welcome! 

To watch a short Ash Wednesday sermon with Bishop Anna Greenwood-Lee, click on the link below.

Diocesan Book Club begins tomorrow but there is still time to register!

March 6- Week 1: Introduction to Catherine Keller with John Thatamanil (No prereading is required)
March 13- Week 2: Dis/Closures of Democracy and Earth with Brendon Neilson
March 20- Week 3: Power and Its Alternatives with Allen Doerksen
March 27- Week 4: Love-tangles of Theology with Juli Mallet 

Greater Victoria Acting Together (GVAT) offers workshops and training in organizing and power-building for organizations.

To learn more, CLICK HERE.

St. Mark in Qualicum is seeking applicants for the following jobs:

1. Parish Administrator

2. Music Director

3. Manager/Handyperson

For more information, CLICK HERE.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Roman Catholic program for 3 to 6 year olds that is a wonderful alternative to ‘Sunday School.’  It is a “…time-tested approach to faith formation. Rooted in the pedagogy of Maria Montessori, it feeds the deepest needs of children, allowing each one to get to know God personally. In a peaceful atmosphere, through the use of special materials designed just for them, children hear the Word proclaimed and grow in their relationship with God.”

A weeklong course in the program is being offered in July in Duncan. CLICK HERE for more information if you have young children in your parish or adults interested in being trained in how to offer this program.  

Anyone wishing to take the program could apply for funds from the Educational Trusts Committee to cover the $400 registration fee.